The Namibian Adventures Continue in Walvis Bay

After an incredible 2-night stay in Sesriem and the Sossusvlei area, we hit the road for Walvis Bay and Swakopmund on Namibia’s coast. These cities are just 30 minutes apart, so most travellers base themselves in one (usually Swakopmund) and visit the other as a day trip or tour starting point.

I have a soft spot for Walvis Bay since it’s where I stayed on my first visit to Namibia. That’s why we decided to split our time between both places instead of picking just one.

Walvis Bay Namibia Pier

Getting to Walvis Bay from Sesriem + a Quick Stop at Solitaire…

We drove from Sesriem to Walvis Bay, which took us around 4 hours. Along the route, we stopped at Solitaire, a tiny settlement that’s become a well-known waypoint for travellers. This place is also famous for its bakery, so naturally, we couldn’t resist sampling their renowned apple pie while we were there.

Solitaire Namibia Settlement

Where We stayed in Walvis Bay

We pressed on toward Walvis Bay, enjoying a smooth journey that brought us to our lodging. We stayed at a place called “Avodation”, an Airbnb-style listing I found on Booking.com. I don’t see it currently listed but it was a lovely place to stay and was conveniently situated just a short stroll from the waterfront.

Sunset in Walvis Bay

For our first evening in Walvis Bay, we took a walk to Anchors Restaurant, a place our host spoke highly of. We enjoyed our dinner there while taking in the view of the sunset and watching boats anchored in the water gently rise and fall. The main courses were satisfying, but we found the wine and appetizers particularly impressive.

Anchors Waterfront Restaurant

The next morning, Mark arranged for us to go on a half-day kayaking tour with Eco Marine Kayak Tours. But this was no ordinary kayak expedition because we were going to be kayaking in the Walvis Bay lagoon with a colony of Cape fur seals.

Kayaking tours in Namibia

Kayaking With Cape Fur Seals in Walvis Bay

We joined the carpool as soon as it arrived from Swakopmund and headed towards Pelican Point, where our tour would begin. During the drive, our guide filled us in on the local area and the wildlife we might encounter on our adventure.

Shipwreck in Walvis Bay
The remains of a shipwreck, en route Pelican Point, Walvis Bay

We spotted a pack of jackals, which was exciting. Countless flamingos and avocets dotted the landscape, and of course, seals were abundant. Our guide mentioned that the area is also frequented by dolphins, and even humpback whales make appearances, particularly during their migration season.

Reaching the starting point, we were given a quick rundown and handed waterproof gear and bags for our things. Then we grabbed our paddles, hopped in our kayaks, and pushed off into the water.

Within minutes, we were surrounded by hundreds of curious seals, diving in and out of the water, chasing our paddles and fighting for spots atop our kayaks!

This activity was certainly one of the highlights of our trip to Namibia. We had a great time with the sea puppies and lucked out with the weather too.

We paddled around for about an hour before heading back to shore. The tour crew had a light breakfast waiting for us when we got back, which was a nice touch. Then they drove us back to town, but not before swinging by the “pink lakes” of Walvis Bay for a quick look. It was a cool little detour to cap off the morning.

Pink Lake Walvis Bay

Visiting the Pink Lake

These “pink lakes” are actually salt pans that have a distinctive pink hue. This colour comes from microorganisms (halobacteria) that thrive in high-salinity environments. As part of their energy-production process, they produce a red pigment, giving the salt pans their unique appearance. The lakes are part of large-scale salt works in the area.

Namibia Salt Production
Pink Lake Namibia
An afternoon revisit to the pink lake after I made Mark drive us back to get my IG-worthy shots! 🙂

After the tour, we returned to our accommodation to enjoy some downtime before heading out for an early dinner at Godenfang.

We really enjoyed the ambience of this restaurant, and our meals were delightful. This visit marked the end of our time in Walvis Bay – well, almost. After moving to Swakopmund, we returned to the Walvis Bay area as we were en route to Sandwich Harbour. So I guess our Walvis Bay adventure wasn’t quite over after all!

Godenfang Restaurant Walvis Bay

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Aesthetically pleasing spaces in Kenya 🍂🦒
Aesthetically pleasing spaces in Kenya 🍂🦒
17 hours ago
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1/9
Kenya had dropped the paid ETA requirement for most Africans, including Nigerians. 💃🏾🎉

And in celebration of that, I'm sharing some of my favourite places to include in your Kenyan holiday itinerary!

Will you be visiting or have you been to any of these places?
Kenya had dropped the paid ETA requirement for most Africans, including Nigerians. 💃🏾🎉 And in celebration of that, I'm sharing some of my favourite places to include in your Kenyan holiday itinerary! Will you be visiting or have you been to any of these places?
1 day ago
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2/9
This lodge in Taita-Taveta was such a great last-minute find for me!
___________________

I needed a quick break from Nairobi and thought to visit Diani and Tsavo. While finding accommodation in Diani was fairly easy, I struggled to find a place that fit my schedule, budget, and preference in the Voi/Tsavo area.

When I stumbled upon The Hildana Lodge, I couldn't be happier. Luckily, they had availability for the exact dates I wanted, a resident's rate, and no single supplement!

I stayed here for 2 nights but could have easily stayed longer! This place is magical, and I can't wait to return! ✨️
This lodge in Taita-Taveta was such a great last-minute find for me! ___________________ I needed a quick break from Nairobi and thought to visit Diani and Tsavo. While finding accommodation in Diani was fairly easy, I struggled to find a place that fit my schedule, budget, and preference in the Voi/Tsavo area. When I stumbled upon The Hildana Lodge, I couldn't be happier. Luckily, they had availability for the exact dates I wanted, a resident's rate, and no single supplement! I stayed here for 2 nights but could have easily stayed longer! This place is magical, and I can't wait to return! ✨️
2 days ago
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3/9
As someone who enjoys travelling and pursuing a fulfilling career, I don't believe that you have to give up one for the other. ✈️🍂✨️

You can maintain a healthy travel life without forfeiting a career you love, and here's one of the best ways to do so ⤵️

Taking advantage of public holidays, combined with your vacation days. For example, there's a public holiday coming up next month.

It'll be a 2-day holiday, and if you take only 2 days off work, you'll get 6 vacation days! - perfect for this "Beach and Bush" holiday in Kenya! 🐚🐘🌊

Work-life balance is key, so find ways to do the things that are important to you now that you can!💙
As someone who enjoys travelling and pursuing a fulfilling career, I don't believe that you have to give up one for the other. ✈️🍂✨️ You can maintain a healthy travel life without forfeiting a career you love, and here's one of the best ways to do so ⤵️ Taking advantage of public holidays, combined with your vacation days. For example, there's a public holiday coming up next month. It'll be a 2-day holiday, and if you take only 2 days off work, you'll get 6 vacation days! - perfect for this "Beach and Bush" holiday in Kenya! 🐚🐘🌊 Work-life balance is key, so find ways to do the things that are important to you now that you can!💙
4 days ago
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4/9
Weekends in Kenya that look like this! 🐘💙🦒

How wonderful!
Weekends in Kenya that look like this! 🐘💙🦒 How wonderful!
4 days ago
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5/9
Here's what you can expect when you ride the premium class train from Nairobi to Mombasa and vice versa 🚅

It's a slow but scenic ride to the coast, but I love it and rather prefer it to flying. ✨️

PS: If you want great views of Tsavo National Park as you pass through (Nairobi > Mombasa), sit on the left side of the train (i.e., even numbered seats)

But be aware that some seats have partial window views. Seats 26, 21, 25, 15, and 6 are great!(Nairobi > Mombasa)

Seat on the opposite side on the Mombasa > Nairobi train. I couldn't keep track of all the good seats on this train 🥹.

The train also has a first and economy class coach, which are significantly cheaper than premium class. And once you're back in Nairobi, all "premium services end" 🤭😋

Have you gone on this train before? What was your experience like? 💬

Are team train 🚆 or flight ✈️?
Here's what you can expect when you ride the premium class train from Nairobi to Mombasa and vice versa 🚅 It's a slow but scenic ride to the coast, but I love it and rather prefer it to flying. ✨️ PS: If you want great views of Tsavo National Park as you pass through (Nairobi > Mombasa), sit on the left side of the train (i.e., even numbered seats) But be aware that some seats have partial window views. Seats 26, 21, 25, 15, and 6 are great!(Nairobi > Mombasa) Seat on the opposite side on the Mombasa > Nairobi train. I couldn't keep track of all the good seats on this train 🥹. The train also has a first and economy class coach, which are significantly cheaper than premium class. And once you're back in Nairobi, all "premium services end" 🤭😋 Have you gone on this train before? What was your experience like? 💬 Are team train 🚆 or flight ✈️?
6 days ago
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6/9
The most relaxing staycation ever! Coastal vibes in Diani Beach and a wonderful safari in Taita-Taveta county! 🐚🐘

This trip was so easy to plan and embark upon from Nairobi. I travelled by rail from Nairobi to Mombasa and then to Diani. 🌊

On my return leg, I stopped in Voi and transferred to a super gorgeous lodge, where I spent the weekend enjoying massages, spotting elephants 🐘 and giraffes 🦒, and just having a swell and relaxing time!

Sharing details on my blog and IG stories!✨️
The most relaxing staycation ever! Coastal vibes in Diani Beach and a wonderful safari in Taita-Taveta county! 🐚🐘 This trip was so easy to plan and embark upon from Nairobi. I travelled by rail from Nairobi to Mombasa and then to Diani. 🌊 On my return leg, I stopped in Voi and transferred to a super gorgeous lodge, where I spent the weekend enjoying massages, spotting elephants 🐘 and giraffes 🦒, and just having a swell and relaxing time! Sharing details on my blog and IG stories!✨️
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
The Best of Both Worlds! 🥰

Just took the SGR again, and I got to try out the Premium Class coach - I loved the experience!

I'll be sharing all about this experience in my next blog post on www.travelwithapen.com -  what to expect from this train ride, the best seats for unobstructed views and elephant sightings in Tsavo National Park, and notable changes in the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa and Diani!

#diani #dianibeachkenya #sgr #railtravel #tsavo #tembeakenya
The Best of Both Worlds! 🥰 Just took the SGR again, and I got to try out the Premium Class coach - I loved the experience! I'll be sharing all about this experience in my next blog post on www.travelwithapen.com - what to expect from this train ride, the best seats for unobstructed views and elephant sightings in Tsavo National Park, and notable changes in the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa and Diani! #diani #dianibeachkenya #sgr #railtravel #tsavo #tembeakenya
2 weeks ago
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8/9
Bougainvillea in full bloom in Nairobi 🌸, always a highlight of our strolls!
Bougainvillea in full bloom in Nairobi 🌸, always a highlight of our strolls!
2 weeks ago
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9/9
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